Responding to Domestic Abuse - Guidelines for Health Care Workers in NHSScotland

RESPONDING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE - GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN NHSSCOTLAND

SUMMARY

These guidelines describe the nature and prevalence of domestic abuse in Scotland, present a definition of domestic abuse underpinning national policy and outline the Scottish Executive's strategy for tackling domestic abuse in Scotland. They set out the role and responsibilities of the NHS in Scotland, and of health professionals, in responding to domestic abuse. The guidelines have been prepared with help from a Short Life Working Group, convened by the Scottish Executive, which included a wide range of health professionals and other interests.

The guidelines identify the help and support that health care workers can expect from NHS Boards, NHS Trusts, LHCCs and local management to ensure that they are able to respond effectively to anyone experiencing domestic abuse. They provide information about the health effects of domestic abuse and potential signs and indicators of domestic abuse, and offer practical advice about how to approach the difficult task of talking about abuse. The guidelines set out good practice for professionals to help them inform and support women appropriately. The guidelines also describe how NHS employers should facilitate implementation of the guidelines and what they should consider when developing a local strategy, including staff training and development needs and professional education.

The guidelines also include information for NHS organisations about dealing with domestic abuse as employers, outlining their responsibilities to respond sensitively and sympathetically to staff experiencing abuse.

A list of sources of information and support is provided for health care workers to assist their response to individuals who approach them, including contact details for other agencies and bodies which play a role in responding to domestic abuse and provide services.